Army to make changes at key formations, enhance border infra

By PTI |
Published: 13th October 2017 06:46 PM |

Last Updated: 13th October 2017 07:00 PM | A+A A- |

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New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) Close on the heels of the Dokalam
standoff, organisational changes are likely in some of the key
Army formations besides steps to boost infrastructure along
the nearly 4,000 km-long Sino-India border including around
the areas of dispute.

The decisions were taken at the Army's commanders
conference which extensively deliberated on the Dokalam face
off with China besides analysing all possible security
challenges on the northern border, official sources said.

In his address at the week-long conference that began
here on Monday, Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat asked the
commanders to be prepared for all eventualities at "all times"
while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the need
to guard against "inimical forces".

Director General Staff Duties Lt. Gen. Vijay Singh,
briefing on the outcome of the conclave which was also
attended by top defence ministry officials, said it was
decided that there would be considerable "heft" towards road
construction activities in the northern sector.

He said the the issue of organisational changes of some
of the formations for capability enhancement was examined,
adding it was decided to grant additional funds to Border
Roads Organisation, a defence ministry entity, for development
of roads and other infrastructure.

Official sources said capacity enhancement along the
Sino-India border was a major focus area and the conclave
decided to boost infrastructure along the entire stretch with
China including around areas of dispute.

In her address, Sitharaman lauded the Army for its swift
and effective response in dealing with "external and internal
threats", seen as a reference to the Army stopping the
construction of a road in Dokalam by China and its anti-terror
operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The conclave today discussed issues relating to military
operations and evolving security dynamics in the region.

While talking about security challenges, the Army Chief
highlighted the need for according priority to procurement of
arms and ammunitions, in an apparent indication of unhappiness
over delay in buying critical weapons for the force.

"Our approach to procurement process needs to be balanced
with focus at the right places," Gen Rawat was quoted as
saying by Singh.

On her part, Sitharaman said focus will be on ensuring
capability enhancement and capacity building of the Army in a
time-bound manner. She also emphasised the need for jointness
and integration of all the services in effectively dealing
with emerging challenges.

While Gen Rawat asserted that there will be no compromise
with respect to issues relating to welfare of the armymen,
Sitharaman said keeping up the morale of the armed forces
personnel will remain a priority.

On boosting infrastructure along the borders, Singh said
"four passes to Niti, Lipulekh, Thangla 1 and Tsangchokla have
been decided to be connected by 2020 on priority." All these
passes are along the Sino-India border in central sector.

He said a roadmap for intra sector connectivity within
central sector and inter-sector connectivity with neigbhouring
areas have been discussed.

The commanders also deliberated on the cadre review of
Junior Commissioned Officers and other ranks (OR), which now
stands approved, and implementation of the Shekatkar committee
recommendation on carrying out reforms in the force.

The issue of employment of women officers in areas of
specialisation that require continuity also figured.

Singh said implementation of cadre review of JCOs and 0R
resulting in 1.45.5137 additional promotional vacancies will
be the top priority of the Army.

In the next two days, the commanders will discuss a
number of issues relating human resources which include
promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Lieutenant
General.

He said the Army has decided to modernise all military
stations on par with the government's smart city project and
initially, 58 stations have been identified for the project.

The army has over 2,000 military stations across the country.

During interactions with top officials of the defence
ministry, the commanders discussed a host of issues like
expediting acquisition projects, providing liberallsed family
pension to those other than battle causalities and matters
relating to defence land, said Singh.

Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra stressed on the need for a
time bound action plan to resolve the issues.

He said the conference decided to seek necessary sanction
from the government to allow the Army to carry out procurement
under the existing system till Mar 31, 2018 when the
Government eMarket system is likely to stabilise. PTI MPB
RT
.

This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.